The Nigerian Army has vowed to retaliate the killing of five of its soldiers at the Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area in Abia State by suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists on Thursday.
Major General Edward Buba,Director, Defence Media Operations in a statement on Friday while mourning the soldiers stressed that the loss of every soldier on the battlefield counts.
General Buba noted that military retaliation against the group is going to be overwhelming, adding that it would be fierce in response to the attack.
He said: “Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.”
The Defence spokesperson emphasized the need for the support of people in the area to address the security concerns, adding, “Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass attacked by the terrorists.
“The terrorists in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action. The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.”